About Hidecraft Durham

Hidecraft Durham began with a simple thought: that the most lasting objects are the ones you make with your own hands. The studio sits just off the cobbled lanes of Saddler Street, within walking distance of the old bridge and market square. Inside, the space smells of vegetable-tanned leather, beeswax, and quiet concentration. It’s a place where students, makers, and curious visitors gather to learn the slow rhythm of working natural materials into useful forms.

The workshop was founded by craftspeople who had spent years repairing saddles, belts, and old bags for local families. They saw how each piece carried its story — a scuffed strap, a polished edge, a mark of use that spoke of real life. Rather than hiding imperfections, the team chose to teach how to work with them. Every course at Hidecraft follows this idea: that understanding material and accepting its nature creates durability, beauty, and honesty in craft.

Durham itself plays a quiet role in the studio’s rhythm. The sound of the river nearby and the narrow medieval lanes remind visitors that tradition is not something frozen in time; it evolves with practice. The building, once used by a cobbler in the early 1900s, still holds small brass hooks and oak benches from that era. The sense of continuity between past and present runs through every class, whether you’re stitching a belt, cutting a card holder, or finishing a simple notebook cover.

Hidecraft welcomes all skill levels. Beginners find calm, structured guidance; experienced hands discover new precision. Each session is limited to small groups so that the pace stays human and questions can turn into conversations. The instructors work alongside participants, sharing notes on knife angles, thread tension, and the subtle art of burnishing an edge until it glows. The emphasis is never on perfection but on consistency, rhythm, and confidence.

While leatherwork might appear traditional, Hidecraft treats it as a living skill. The studio encourages experimentation with natural dyes, recycled materials, and alternative finishes. Each project is designed to be functional, whether a small pouch, strap, or sheath — something that can serve a real purpose beyond the classroom. The balance between design and durability shapes the teaching approach: start simple, master the fundamentals, then let personal style grow naturally.

Instructors often remind newcomers that the craft isn’t about speed. Learning to sharpen a blade correctly or to mark evenly spaced stitching holes can take longer than expected, but those moments of focus are the real heart of the workshop. Students often find the process meditative — the sound of thread pulling through leather, the warmth of wax on fingertips, the satisfaction of closing a seam without gaps. These physical rhythms teach patience in ways few modern activities can.

Hidecraft also values sustainable sourcing. The studio’s hides come from small tanneries that follow responsible environmental standards within the UK and EU. Each batch is traceable and naturally tanned without chromium, creating a surface that ages gracefully over time. Offcuts are saved for practice samples or small accessories rather than discarded. Waste is reduced to near zero, reinforcing the studio’s belief that craft and respect for material must coexist.

Visitors who step into the space often comment on its atmosphere: quiet but not silent, focused but not tense. Music plays softly, and conversations rise and fall as people share techniques. Coffee sits near the entrance, next to a shelf of examples — old prototypes, worn-in belts, and small test pieces that show how mistakes can become lessons. The goal is not to impress but to invite people into a world where detail matters and pace slows naturally.

Beyond the bench, Hidecraft maintains links with Durham’s local community. The studio collaborates with small repair shops, design students, and nearby markets. Occasionally, it hosts short exhibitions where visitors can view student work and talk about process. These gatherings are informal, friendly, and free from pressure. What unites everyone is the shared respect for materials and the enjoyment of making something that lasts.

For those planning a visit, the workshop offers both scheduled classes and tailored sessions for small groups or families. Each booking includes time for discussion and a chance to see tools in use before starting. The instructors encourage participants to ask questions about care, finishes, and longevity. By the end of each course, attendees leave not only with a handmade item but also with a clearer understanding of how patience, attention, and good design come together in craft.

Hidecraft’s guiding principle is simple: making things should feel purposeful. There’s no competition, no pressure to be perfect — just an open space for learning, making, and finding rhythm. The hope is that every visitor, whether local or passing through Durham, carries away something more than an object: perhaps a calm mindset, a small new habit, or an appreciation for the time behind each stitch.

If you’d like to learn more, visit the studio at:

• Address: 10 Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3NP, England
• Phone: 441 913 762 584
• Email: [email protected]

Each message receives a personal response within working hours. Bookings can be made via email, and we’re always happy to guide you on suitable class levels or materials. Whether you want to craft your first leather piece or refine existing skills, our benches in Durham are ready for you.